Ron Howard to direct documentary about the Beatles

The acclaimed filmmaker will helm a project about the legendary group from their early gigs to to their last public concert in Candlestick Park, San Francisco, in 1966, and feels ''honored'' to have been asked by producers Apple Corps Ltd., White Horse Pictures and Imagine Entertainment to work on the film.

He said: ''I am excited and honored to be working with Apple and the White Horse team on this astounding story of these four young men who stormed the world in 1964.

''Their impact on popular culture and the human experience cannot be exaggerated.''

Surviving group members Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr are expected to be involved in the documentary, as are Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison, the widows of deceased John Lennon and George Harrison.

An official website has been set up for the documentary, www.thebeatlesliveproject.com, and also includes a call for fans to submit materials for inclusion.

A message on the site reads: ''Were you there? Or were your parents or grandparents a part of Beatlemania?

''If you or someone you know has visual or audio materials that document the Beatles' live tours, we want to hear from you! We are looking for rare or unusual footage, photographs, and audio recordings, particularly those that highlight the fan experience - what it was like to be a part of the frenzy.

''If you have materials you believe belong in this film, please contact us.''